The shortlist was selected by a panel of representatives from the School Library Association and Demco who judged all the entries across a set of criteria: inviting/improved library image; space planning; educational objectives; technology and engagement; consultation.

The panel was impressed by the quality of the entries and admitted that it was a difficult task shortlisting those selected from the high level and quality of entrants.

Representatives of the panel are now visiting each school and the winner will be announced at the School Libraries Celebration day in London and will share the stage with the 2013 School Librarian of the Year Award Winner. The winning school will win the opportunity to select products for their library and there will be additional prizes for the runners up, all donated by Demco Interiors.

The Award is now in its third year and is supported by the School Library Association and sponsored by Demco Interiors, to highlight the innovation, commitment, flair and foresight found in school libraries across the UK and to set future standards for the recognition of excellence in school library design.

Demco Interiors is a member of the Demco Europe family of companies, which includes the Gresswell educational resource brand. www.demcointeriors.co.uk.

School Library Association.

17 March 2013

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Note to editors:

The SLA keenly supports the role of the school library as a place ‘to support reading and learning through the key stages and to foster a reading and information culture to promote independent, motivated readers and learners for life’. As designers of school, academic and public libraries, Demco Interiors is committed to a renewed focus on the ÔÇÿschool library as place’ and is working with the School Library Association to support, encourage and promote school library design.

To highlight the innovation, commitment, flair and foresight found in school libraries across the UK and to set future standards for the recognition of excellence in school library design, we are delighted to announce the launch of The SLA School Library Design Award 2011. This is a new initiative supported by the SLA and sponsored by Demco Interiors and will be awarded to the school library that shows innovation, creativity and resourcefulness in its design. What matters is not how big the school, school library or budget is, but what is achieved with available resources and the challenges that are faced.